Government support animal circus ban

94.5% of people want a
ban on wild animal circus acts according to a
consultation by the Department of Environment (DEFRA).

CAPS has welcomed the findings and called on the
government to introduce a ban without delay.

The
results come from a consultation which ended on 15
March, considering the future of wild animals in
travelling circuses. There are currently around 40
wild animals in 4 UK circuses, including an elephant,
tigers, camels and zebras.

Over 10,000 people responded to the consultation.

Animal Welfare Minister Jim Fitzpatrick, said:

“I agree with the clear view emerging from the huge
response to the government’s consultation that
keeping wild animals to perform in travelling
circuses is no longer acceptable. So, I am minded to
pursue a ban on the use of these animals in circuses.”

Craig Redmond, Campaigns Director for CAPS commented:

“CAPS welcomes DEFRA’s recognition that the use of
wild animals in circuses should be banned. The
ethical and welfare problems inherent in
transporting animals around the country and making
them perform are well known and we have campaigned
since 1957 to end this cruelty.

“It is no surprise that 94% of respondents to the
consultation support a ban. Opinion polls always
show a majority oppose animal circuses and political
support for prohibition is strong too.

“Of the options offered in the consultation a ban
was the only one that would really protect animals.
No-one believes circuses should be allowed to
self-regulate.

“A Bristol University study last year found that
circuses fail to provide some of the most basic
welfare needs of wild animals, such as space and
social groups. It is obvious to most people that
carting an elderly arthritic elephant and caged
tigers from town to town is an outdated form of
entertainment.

“We
need DEFRA to now act swiftly to ensure ban is
introduced without delay to protect animals.

“A ban on using wild animals would be a major step
forward for animal protection. However we must also
ensure that the horses, dogs and other animals
exploited in circuses are not forgotten and CAPS
encourages circuses to end all animal use.”

Professor Bill Reilly, president of the British
Veterinary Association said: "Although it only
affects a small number of animals at present, the
BVA felt that their needs and the needs of future
animals could not be adequately met by the
environmental conditions of a travelling circus."

Key figures from the survey:

94.5% believed a
ban on the use of wild animals in travelling
circuses was the best option to achieve
consistently better welfare standards for these
animals.

95.5% believed
that there are no species of wild animal which
it is acceptable to use in travelling circuses.

96% believed
travelling circuses should be prevented from
obtaining any further wild animals.